Question

The ability of rats to learn how to run a maze is an example of ________.

a. imprinting

b. classical conditioning

c. operant conditioning

d. cognitive learning

Short answer

Cognitive learning abilities of rats help them to run a maze.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Imprinting  

Imprinting is the way by which newborns identify their parents as the first organisms that they see after their birth. Therefore, this process does not help the rats to run the maze. Hence, it is a incorrect option.

Step 2. Classical conditioning  

Classical conditioning is a type of conditioned response that was not previously associated with a conditioned stimulus but it was associated with unconditioned stimulus. Therefore, running of rats through maze is not an example of classical conditioning. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Step 3. Operant conditioning  

In operant conditioning, a conditioned response or behavior is modified by its consequences as the organism responds to stimuli. It forms the basis of animal training but running of maze by the rats is not an example of operant conditioning. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.

Step 4.  Cognitive learning 

H.C Blodgett's maze running experiments with the rats in the 1920s were the first to demonstrate cognitive learning in a basic mammals. The animals were enticed to work their way through a maze by the promise of food at the finish. In these investigations, the animals in group I were subjected to one trial per day were given food at the end of each day. For the first six days, the rats in group II were not fed in the maze, following which they were fed for many days. Food was available to group III rats on the third day and every day after that. The control rats, group I learnt rapidly and figured out what was going on. Group III did not learn over the three days without food, but when given the food reward, they quickly caught to the control group. Group II learned the maze slowly for the first six days since there was no reward to motivate them. They did not catch upto the control group until the day food was offered, and it took them two days longer to master the maze.

Therefore, running of rats through the maze is an example of cognitive learning. Hence, this is the correct option.